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Two Queensland Police officers Down, Major police incident, Wieambilla

Sam Bernardo
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Two Queensland Police officers Down, Major police incident, Wieambilla

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Two Police officers Down, Major police incident, Wieambilla

 A major police investigation is underway following the deaths of multiple people including two police officers during a shooting incident in the Western Downs yesterday (December 12).

Around 4:30pm, four officers were in attendance at a property on Wains Rd at Wieambilla in relation to a missing person investigation.

Initial information indicates the officers were shot by two armed offenders as they approached the residence on the property.

A member of the public was also shot and declared deceased at the location.

Two other officers who attended were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

An emergency declaration was declared under the Public Safety Preservation Act provisions, encompassing the area of Chinchilla Tara Rd, Wieambilla Rd, Bennetts School Rd, and Mary Street.

A siege situation ensued at the property and specialist police officers and PolAir responded.

Two males and a female were fatally shot during a confrontation with police shortly after 10.30pm.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the horrific incident was devastating for the victims’ families and the entire organisation.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the officers’ families, friends and colleagues and our thoughts are with them during this extremely difficult time,” Commissioner Carroll said.

“I would like to pay tribute to all police and first responders who assisted at the scene and are continuing to respond this evening.

“Tragically, this is the largest loss of life the QPS has suffered in one single incident in recent times.

“It is devastating news and I know it will be deeply felt across Queensland.

“It is a sad reminder of the unpredictable nature of policing and the incredible dangers our officers face while protecting our community.”

The PSPA remains in place and a crime scene has been established at the property.

Circumstances surrounding the incident, including the deaths, will be investigated by police and overviewed by the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the Coroner.

If you have information for the police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Source Queensland Police unedited 

Queensland will become a global mRNA vaccine hub with leading healthcare company Sanofi

Sam Bernardo
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Queensland will become a global mRNA vaccine hub with leading healthcare company Sanofi

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mRNA Vaccines
Image by Jan Felix Christiansen from Pixabay 


Queensland will become a global mRNA vaccine hub with leading healthcare company Sanofi partnering with the Palaszczuk Government to establish a world-first research centre in Brisbane.

The $280 million Translational Science Hub will be established under an agreement between Sanofi, the University of Queensland, Griffith University and the Queensland Government.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland will be the only jurisdiction in Australia to have a centre like this.

“Queensland has some of the best researchers in the world and the Translational Science Hub will give them the platform to develop life-saving vaccines,” she said.

“If COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s the importance of local capability rather than relying on global markets.

“We want the world to know that Queensland is where business can come to do science and science can come to do business.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the new Hub would help drive the development of new vaccines and health care solutions across the world.

“The Translational Science Hub is a gamechanger that very few jurisdictions globally are capable of,” Mr Miles said.

“Queensland’s best scientists will work with their global peers in the US and France on ground-breaking mRNA technology and vaccine development.

“The Hub will bring more expertise, supply-chain capabilities, as well as clinical investigations to Queensland.

“We expect it will create up to 200 jobs for Queenslanders and strengthen our biomanufacturing supply chain.

“We’re proud one of the world’s largest healthcare companies has chosen Queensland to help reshape 21st century medicine.”

mRNA technology is expected to deliver a new generation of vaccines that instruct certain cells to produce proteins that are recognised by the immune system to mount a defence.

Minister for Science Meaghan Scanlon said Queensland is being recognised as a global research and innovation hub thanks to the government’s investment in state-of-the-art research facilities, talent attraction and partnerships between industry, academia and government.

“Queensland’s biomedical sector, including a highly skilled workforce and world-class research, has helped attract Sanofi to Brisbane,” Minister Scanlon said.

“This agreement will make Queensland science even more competitive by accelerating the commercialisation of local research by linking university partners with a global industry leader to test and develop new heath technologies.

“This announcement owes as much to years of great science and research done in Queensland by Queenslanders as it does to a sustained commitment from Government to grow the sector.

“And the effect of it will be amazing. Around 200 jobs will be created in Queensland within the research and clinical trials ecosystem, including scientists, researchers and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving mRNA technology for a range of diseases, including a first-ever vaccine for Chlamydia.

“The flow-on benefits for our biomedical sector, for researchers, and for young people thinking about how they can help save the world will be huge. It helps build more paths to prosperity for young Queenslanders looking to the future.”

“These types of announcements are exactly why we want to turn Queensland know how into Queensland jobs, Queensland products and Queensland services.

“It’s why we’re investing $17 million in the state budget provide significant support to foster partnerships between universities and industry, and accelerate the commercial application of major research being conducted in the state.”

“The Translational Science Hub in Queensland will work closely with the Sanofi mRNA Centre of Excellence in France and the US to accelerate a new era of vaccine innovation,” Global Head of Vaccine Research and Development, Sanofi, Dr. Jean-Francois Toussaint, said. 

Sanofi Country Lead ANZ, Karen Hood, said that Sanofi was thrilled to be basing the Translational Science Hub in Queensland.

“We acknowledge the incredible support and agility the Queensland Government has shown in seizing this exciting and unique opportunity. We are looking forward to our scientists in France and the United States working collaboratively with all partners to chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives,” Ms Hood said.

Sanofi Country Medical Lead ANZ, Dr. Iris Depaz, said Queensland was home to world-leading immunologists and vaccine researchers.

“Queensland has some of the best universities for science research and the Queensland Government has a clear vision for investing in the State as a location for knowledge-based high-tech industries. This is why the Translational Science Hub will be located across the Sunshine State,” Dr. Depaz said. 

Vice Chancellor and President, Griffith University, Professor Carolyn Evans, said Griffith is delighted to be part of the partnership building on the strengths and capabilities of the University’s existing biomedical leadership.

“Our researchers are internationally recognised at bringing disease-specific mRNA expertise to developing new vaccines and therapies while our Clinical Trial Unit is a leader in testing safety and efficacy. We look forward to the work we undertake here in Queensland making a difference to global health outcomes,” Professor Evans said.

Vice-Chancellor, University of Queensland, Professor Deborah Terry, said the partnership builds on a commitment to bring the latest technologies to UQ’s internationally recognised vaccine and drug development programs.

“The pivot to mRNA technologies was accelerated during the pandemic and UQ has invested in both the people and facilities to ensure mRNA for pre-clinical research can be developed and produced in Queensland,” Professor Terry said.

“Collaboration and partnership are at the heart of all great research and we look forward to making a difference to global health in collaboration with our partners.”

Currently Sanofi undertakes its world-leading work in Lyon, France and Cambridge, Massachusetts in the United States.

The Translational Science Hub will be located across Queensland, utilising the laboratories and infrastructure of the University of Queensland, Griffith University and the Translational Research Institute (TRI). The research is expected to start in Q1 2023 with an initial focus on a Chlamydia vaccine.

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the world with around 129 million infections a year. While Chlamydia can be treated, there is currently no vaccine to prevent infection. If left untreated it can lead to infertility and in pregnant women can result in foetal eye and lung infections.

The biomedical industry in Queensland contributes around $2.1 billion in gross value-added product and employs more than 12,000 people across the state. The industry is supported by the Queensland Biomedical 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.

Attributions: Premier and Minister for the Olympics
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics Infrastructure
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles
Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs
The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon
The State of Queensland

Putin meets with sad mothers of military personnel in the special military operation

Sam Bernardo
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Putin meets with sad mothers of military personnel in the special military operation

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Putin meets with sad mothers

 Vladimir Putin met with mothers of military personnel – participants in the special military operation. The meeting took place in Novo-Ogaryovo.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon once again.

As you know, the day after tomorrow Russia marks Mother’s Day. It is not some pompous noisy celebration but a day that is filled with special, very warm meaning and emphasises the attitude towards mothers inherent in all the peoples of Russia: respect, reverence, admiration.

In this regard, of course, I would like to remember this. But I understand perfectly well that you, as well as so many other women in Russia whose sons are in the zone of hostilities, of course, have a different attitude to this event – not something that would be festive, but, most likely, associated with anxiety and worry, when you think about what is happening to your boys. After all, for a mother, no matter what age her son is, he is always a boy, always a child. And for those, including those of you who are here, and who have lost their sons, of course, this is also related to the thoughts of this tragedy.

In this sense I would like to say… You know I do not have the heart to say formal standard things expressing condolences. But I want you to know that the entire leadership of the country and I personally, we share your pain. We understand that nothing can replace the loss of a son, a child. Especially for mothers, to whom we all owe our lives, who bore and fed us.

I want you to know that we share this pain with you. And, of course, we will do our best, so that you do not feel forgotten, so that you feel the support.

Obviously, life is more complicated and diverse than what they show on television screens or on the internet. One should not trust the internet completely because it is full of various fake stories, deception and lies. The internet is rife with information attacks because information is just another offensive weapon in the modern world, and information attacks are just another effective type of struggle.

We have gathered here, and I have suggested this meeting because I wanted to listen to you and to hear your first-hand assessments: you also receive your information from there. I receive a lot of information from various sources, but your assessments, your opinion, ideas and proposals are an entirely different matter. I will try to make sure that everything we discuss today will be taken into account and used in real life.

That is what I wanted to say in the beginning.

Concluding my brief opening remarks, I would like to say what I have been talking about all the time. First of all, the family is the source of everything. The very fact that most of your children have decided to serve and protect our Homeland, our Motherland, Russia, to protect our people, including those in Novorossiya (New Russia) and Donbass, is also, doubtless, the result of your work. This is not the result of any exhortations or moral admonitions. This is the result of your personal example, and this will always be so.

No matter what they say in school, although this is highly important, the personal example of a person’s parents influences the foundation of his or her self-awareness and his or her basic values. A personal example is the main, most important and most fundamental method of education and upbringing.

Judging by the heroic behaviour of your children, and I wanted to discuss precisely this aspect, this, of course, is your tremendous contribution. This is your contribution, as well as that of your men, your husbands. This is always a two-sided process in every family. However, only they, the young men themselves, know that they are real heroes.

Why so? This is because no one, except them and their immediate superiors, knows how difficult this work is, and how dangerous the risks to one’s life and health are. They alone feel and realise this.

Sometimes I speak with them; I spoke with some of them on the telephone directly. In any event, I spoke with those who surprised me with their mood and their attitude towards work. They did not expect me to call them. By the way, these calls came through their mothers. This gives me every reason to say that they are heroes. This is true.

This is what I wanted to say in the beginning. Let’s have a free discussion. As I have already said, I will certainly try to heed everything that you will say today.

Please.

Suna Nabiyeva: I am Suna Nabiyeva from Daghestan.

My son, Enver, graduated from the Kazan Higher Tank Command School and is serving in Buryatia. He has been part of the SMO from the first days. He was wounded twice and stayed in a hospital. Upon recovery, he returned to his unit.

Sometimes we talk by telephone. When he learned that I was going to meet you, he asked me to send his regards from all his fellow servicemen and say that they will do everything they must do. He said: “My grandfather and two great grandfathers fought in the Great Patriotic War, and I cannot let them down.” His soldiers on the frontline also often recall their grandfathers. They come from all over the country, from different republics. You said recently: “I am a Lakh, I am a Daghestani, I am a Chechen, Ingush, Russian, Tatar…” People in Daghestan heard this and it’s the right thing to say.

Our family comes from the mountain village Dzhaba in the Akhtynsky District. We have a large multi-ethnic family. My mother-in-law is a mother-heroine; she has 12 children. I would like to thank you very much for introducing the high title of Mother Heroine. This is very important for the mothers of Daghestan and Russia.

Vladimir Putin: Ms Nabiyeva, first, thank you very much for the words from your son. I asked from the very start to give our men the most accurate and objective information on the attitude of the country towards their fighting, the performing of their duty.

I hope they will see this meeting, too. Modern technology makes it possible. Of course, radio communication poses a certain risk, and this is why it has certain restrictions, but they will hear it eventually, no doubt about it. So I would like them to see that a mother fulfilled the request of her son and that his greetings are gratefully accepted.

For my part, I wish all the best to your son and his army mates.

Suna Nabiyeva: Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: When did he graduate from the command school?

Suna Nabiyeva: In 2010.

Vladimir Putin: I am sure that he is performing his duty well. This is only natural for all Russian soldiers, even more so for the warriors from the Caucasus, from Daghestan. People there are with a special character. I know this very well from 1999 and will never forget the days and months linked with the events in Daghestan.

Daghestan is a multi-ethnic republic and Russia as a whole is a unique civilisation where people of different ethnic origins and various religions live side by side. A unique feature of this life is that over hundreds of years of co-existence, people not only found a common language but also learned to respect each other’s traditions and religions. They have learned to celebrate holidays together and to overcome times of trial together when they come.

So, when I said the words that you just repeated I was simply talking from my heart – it is impossible to write them down, of course. I know this is how it is. I know that people do not divide themselves into separate castes or ethnic groups – all are equal, all help each other, realising that their lives depend on this mutual aid and support. This is a very important point. They are performing their service duty very well, as I have said.

So, thank you very much, thank you for your son. Please give my best regards to him as well, to him and his comrades-in-arms, to all his subordinates.

Suna Nabiyeva: Thank you.

Nina Pshenichkina: Mr President, I am from the Lugansk People’s Republic, from the small city of Kirovsk.

The city is on the frontline. We are fighting and we are restoring everything thanks to the Russian Federation. We are under the patronage of the Irkutsk Region, and they are now restoring 55 facilities. Recently, the governor visited us, my library, my school, and I was here.

It is common knowledge now, but on September 30, we had a great, glorious event – we became Russian Federation regions, something first wave militia fighters were dreaming about.

When my son joined an armed volunteer unit in 2014 he told me: “Mom, I am going to fight for Russia, I’m going to fight for the Russian world, I am going to fight for the Russian word, for Russian memory.” My father fought in the war from 1941 to 1945 and came home with Victory. We have waited for this event for a long time. It has been an uphill road; we have lost many people dear to us, but we did not lose hope that we would be in Russia and would return home. And now this joyful event has taken place.

But my son, Konstantin Pshenichkin, was killed in a morning battle, defending the city. It so happened that the enemy came very close to their position. He jumped out of a trench to draw fire upon himself. His last words were: “Let’s go and chop up the Ukies, guys.” He was awarded the medal For Courage posthumously.

It’s heart wrenching, my soul is frozen, and gloomy memories are overwhelming my mind. My eyes are filled with tears. Suddenly my son begs me: “Mom, don’t be sad, we’ll see each other – we simply have to wait. Live this life for me and in the next life we’ll be together again.”

I looked up and straightened my shoulders and started to do all I could to help the families of the killed militia members. I was trying to get benefits for them. I was a member of the civic chamber. I helped organise the first two referendums. During the second referendum, I was a member of the public commission. Nobody had seen such enthusiasm before. Old women went with flags and sang songs. “We’ll come to you.” “No, we want to come here ourselves. And say ‘hello’ to Putin, please.” They believe we are Vladimir Putin’s envoys. So, I know everything directly, not from hearsay.

Mr President, I’d still like to highlight several issues, if I may.

Vladimir Putin: Of course.

Nina Pshenichkina: We are young regions and we are just entering the legal field of the Russian Federation. The same applies to medicine. We have a problem when examining the wounded. They have to go to so many places and collect so many documents that a healthy person would hardly be able to get. They have to go from Kirovsk to Alchevsk, from Alchevsk to Beloye where the hospital is, from Beloye back to Lugansk. Meanwhile, the military medical commission in Lugansk is only open once a week. How can people from 20 cities and districts get through this examination in one day? And what if a man has lost his legs? How will he do this? Please, instruct the authorities to use one window or send commissions to all these places.

And one more question: commanders are not always attentive in making entries in journals. They write: “sent to hospital” but do not specify what wound a soldier has. Then these people have to prove the obvious even though they have sacrificed their health for the Motherland and have become incapacitated. I know this because people tell me about it.

And one more question. It is simply floating around in both the Donetsk People’s Republic and in our republic. Will the benefits that Russian military personnel or the families of the dead are getting now also apply to the families of the people killed before September 30?

Mr President,

I would like to convey to you our gratitude, support and confidence – we believe in victory, it will be ours – and to wish you the strongest health on behalf of all residents of Donbass, the women of Donbass, the Union of Donbass Women, those mothers that sent their sons to the front.

And since we have gathered here today, I want to say that these are the best mothers, Mothers with a capital M. I would like to pass on to you the fervent greetings from the patient women of Donbass. And you know, ladies, you should be proud of your sons. You have brought up real heroes! All those who are there now are heroes!

I wish you the strongest health, to see everyone come back alive and with a victory!

Happy holiday, dear friends.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Source: President of Russia

Labor easily wins Victorian election, but Greens could win eight lower house seats

Sam Bernardo
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Labor easily wins Victorian election, but Greens could win eight lower house seats

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Dan Andrews with Family Election Speech
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With 53% counted in the lower house for the Victorian election, the ABC is calling 51 of the 88 seats for Labor, a clear majority. The Coalition has 23, the Greens five and nine seats remain in doubt.

Despite the easy seat win for Labor, their statewide primary vote is currently down 6.0% from the 2018 election to 36.9%, with the Coalition down 0.2% to 35.0%. The Greens up 1.0% to 11.6% and all Others up 5.2% to 16.5%.

The ABC’s estimate is that Labor is currently winning the statewide two party vote by 54.2-45.8 over the Coalition, a 3.4% swing to the Coalition. If this result holds, it would be in very good agreement with the final pre-election Newspoll that gave Labor a 54.5-45.5 lead.

Despite the overall swing to the Coalition, the ABC is currently showing Labor gaining four seats from the Coalition (Bayswater, Glen Waverley, Hastings and Polwarth) against three losses to the Coalition (Morwell, Nepean and Pakenham). The Greens are gaining Richmond and Northcote from Labor, while the Coalition gains Mildura and Shepparton from independents.

The Greens gained the inner Melbourne seats of Richmond and Northcote from Labor, and are some chance of also winning Footscray, Pascoe Vale and Preston. However, although they currently lead the two candidate vote in Albert Park, they will finish third behind the Liberals, and Labor will easily retain against the Liberals.

This was a dreadful performance by the Coalition against a Labor government that has been in power for eight years, especially given the federal change of government in May should have assisted the state Coalition.

The final Newspoll’s leaders’ ratings are telling. While Labor Premier Daniel Andrews’ net approval was down nine points to -2, he was still far more popular than Liberal leader Matthew Guy, whose net approval was also down five points to -25.

By campaigning so much on antipathy to Andrews, the Coalition damaged its own brand. I believe it would have been better for the Coalition to campaign more on issues that hurt incumbent governments, like cost of living and inflation. In a Resolve poll for The Age, 27% said cost of living was the most important issue, with health and the environment tied on 12%.

This article will be updated tomorrow morning with more results, including the upper house.

Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


CryptoTab Earn Bitcoin and do your business

Sam Bernardo
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CryptoTab Earn Bitcoin and do your business

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CryptoTab Earn Bitcoin and do your business

Earn Bitcoin and do your business? Yes!

It all became a reality thanks to CryptoTab Browser. Turn on the miner and use it as your normal browser. Leave it alone, and do your business, go for a walk, spend time with your beloved ones while your browser is mining. A little tip for you: download the app on your phone to stay informed and set notifications! Wish you good mining!

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It’s so simple to earn BTC nowadays! Until recently, you had to invest or buy enormous and expensive hardware. But for now, it has changed, and I suggest you try a brand-new kind of browser looking ordinary at first. There is a tiny thing that makes CryptoTab Browser radically different from others. The key is the built-in mining mode! It’s hard to believe, I know, although that’s it! Earn BTC at home, with your laptop, tablet, or even with your phone!  Trust me, you can do it because everyone can do it! Download it here:

Share the love & get $10 free BITCOIN

Help share your love of cryptocurrency while being rewarded with free Bitcoin. Mass adoption starts with you!Refer a friend to CoinSpot and you will both receive $10 worth of Bitcoin*.Join 2.5 Million Australian users and start earning. (Referral Link) Just a Tip we use CoinSpot to buy our Cryptocurrency, If you live in Australia I highly recommend you stay away from overseas Crypto trading Companies and another Bonus if you also Mine Bitcoin you can use CoinSpot Wallets to deposit your earnings for free.

Share the love & get $10your love of cryptocurrency while being rewarded with free Bitcoin will both receive $10 worth of Bitcoin*.

FTX Failed crypto exchange was a money laundering op

Sam Bernardo
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FTX Failed crypto exchange was a money laundering op

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FTX Failed crypto exchange was a money laundering op 

Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, allegedly laundered billions of dollars through Ukraine by setting up his company as the central clearinghouse for all crypto donations to Kiev’s war effort, according to the Gateway Pundit. Democratic politicians sending aid to Ukraine would see their money come back in the form of donations through FTX, the outlet claimed.

FTX launched crypto donation platform Aid for Ukraine in March, setting itself up as the central clearing house for all cryptocurrency donations to Kiev’s war effort. While the exchange was supposed to route those donations to the National Bank of Ukraine, the report suggests it funneled at least some of the money back to the US through political donations. Bankman-Fried was the second-largest donor to the Democratic Party for the midterms, pouring some $38 million into candidates’ coffers in 2022 alone.

The Ukrainian government had already received over $60 million in crypto donations as of March. FTX did not publish the amounts subsequently taken in, but other fundraising campaigns on Kiev’s behalf have been hugely successful – Star Wars actor Mark Hammill raised enough funds to buy 500 drones in a single month, for Whatever funds the exchange had under management have presumably evaporated with the rest of its assets due to an alleged hack last week, and the exchange filed for bankruptcy on Friday. The resulting chaos has sent crypto markets spiralling.

In addition to bankrolling political campaigns, Bankman-Fried spent millions lobbying to shape cryptocurrency regulations. Democrats responsible for overseeing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission were particular targets for his largesse, and he is now under investigation by that same agency for moving $10 billion in client assets off FTX to his hedge fund Alameda Research.

While Bankman-Fried’s private jet has been tracked to Argentina, the disgraced billionaire insisted on Saturday that he was still in the Bahamas. Source: RT

European Union Covid-19 Vaccine biggest corruption scandal of mankind

Sam Bernardo
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European Union Covid-19 Vaccine biggest corruption scandal of mankind

European Union prosecutor’s office


The European Union prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the bloc’s procurement of billions of Covid-19 vaccine doses, amid allegations of corruption and secret backroom dealings from several members of the EU parliament.

EU officials announced the probe in a brief statement on Friday, confirming an “ongoing investigation into the acquisition of Covid-19 vaccines in the European Union.” They added that the case follows “extremely high public interest” around the issue, though declined to share any other details.

While prosecutors were tight-lipped about the exact nature of the probe, the announcement follows allegations from MEPs that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen conducted vaccine negotiations with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla in secret. Despite requests from journalists, lawmakers and an EU watchdog, von der Leyen’s office has failed to produce personal text messages sent to Bourla during talks for nearly 2 billion vaccine doses, prompting accusations of corruption. 

Croatian MEP Mislav Kolakusic noted the new investigation later on Friday, saying the decision was made thanks to pressure from lawmakers. Though he was unable to shed additional light on the probe, Kolakusic has been highly critical of the EU’s vaccine procurement process, claiming deals for billions of doses were marred by “corruption” and secrecy.

Last month, the European Court of Auditors said it had asked the commission to provide information on “preliminary negotiations” for the EU’s largest Pfizer purchase – including “scientific experts consulted and advice received, timing of the talks, records of the discussions, and details of the agreed terms and conditions” – but added that “none was forthcoming.” The European Commission still has yet to make the information public, fueling corruption allegations from MEPs. Source: RT


Biden Declaration on U.S.-Pacific Island reach partnership deal

Sam Bernardo
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Biden Declaration on U.S.-Pacific Island reach partnership deal

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Declaration on U.S.-Pacific Partnership


White House Press Release: We—the governments of Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and the United States of America—meet on the occasion of the first-ever U.S.- Pacific Islands Summit, held at the White House in Washington, D.C. from 28-29 September 2022. Forged by shared history, sacrifice, and values, our partnership has contributed to prosperity, peace, and security in the Pacific Islands, the United States, and the world for generations. Today, in the face of a worsening climate crisis and an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, we recommit ourselves to working together in genuine partnership to address the mounting challenges of our time.


First, we resolve to strengthening our partnership.      

    

We share a vision for a resilient Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity, where individuals can reach their potential, the environment can thrive, and democracy will be able to flourish. The Pacific Islands vision is reflected in its guiding documents which include the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, a vision that the United States strongly supports. Achieving our shared vision requires a sustained partnership that is rooted in mutual respect, transparency, and accountability. This long-term partnership will require greater capacity; Pacific leaders welcome the United States’ commitment to enhance its engagement, including by expanding its diplomatic presence, the ties between our peoples, and U.S. development cooperation across the region.

 

We place the highest priority on the resolution of unresolved issues and the timely and successful completion of negotiations relating to the Compacts of Free Association between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau—one of the cornerstones of U.S.-Pacific cooperation for nearly four decades. The United States recognizes that new resources must be part of any successful negotiation. The United States will amplify its efforts as a Dialogue Partner in the Pacific Islands Forum and will work with partners in consultation with the Pacific to deliver results for the region efficiently, effectively, and transparently.

 

Second, we commit to bolstering Pacific regionalism.

 

The Pacific Islands region is stronger united. We acknowledge the important role played by the Pacific Islands Forum in this regard.

    

Together we commit to bolstering Pacific regionalism, elevating and strengthening Pacific voices in international fora, and enhancing U.S. engagement with relevant Pacific regional organizations, including the Pacific Islands Forum and the Council of Regional Organizations of the Pacific agencies. We will seek greater connectivity between these organizations and other partners who share Pacific objectives and values.

 

We recognize the central role of the international system, particularly the United Nations, in addressing transnational challenges. Crises will continue to affect our global community in the future. We therefore recognize the urgency of strengthening the global governance architecture to make it fit for purpose and to ensure effective and timely responses to such crises, taking into account the special circumstances of small island developing states (SIDS). 

 

Third, we are committed to tackling the climate crisis together as a priority.

    

We take the climate crisis as the highest priority of our partnership, for it remains the single greatest existential threat to the livelihoods, security, traditional and customary practices, and wellbeing of people in the Pacific region, including as reflected in the Boe Declaration on Regional Security.   

    

We are united in our commitment to implement the Paris Agreement and we are committed to work together to advance progress at COP27 and beyond. We urge all countries – especially major emitters – whose 2030 nationally determined contributions targets are not yet aligned with the Paris temperature goal to increase their ambition and align such targets with a 1.5 °C pathway before COP27. We urge all developed countries to deliver on their commitment to the goal of mobilizing $100 billion annually through 2025 to support developing countries, in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation. We urge all countries to reduce collective anthropogenic methane emissions at least 30 per cent by 2030 from 2020 levels.      

 

We recognize the importance of international collaboration and accelerated action especially within this decade on aviation and shipping emissions, to help put both sectors on a pathway aligned with keeping a 1.5 °C limit to temperature rise within reach.    

     

As we combat the climate crisis, we will also work together to enhance the Pacific Islands’ climate resilience; increase their access to climate finance; cooperate to support the Pacific Islands to adapt to the impacts of climate change, from rising sea levels to more frequent flooding, cyclones and typhoons, drought and extreme weather events that contribute to the heightened risk of water, energy; and food and health insecurity.  We are further committed to working together and with other countries and stakeholders to scale up finance and support related to averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage, in particular for vulnerable developing countries.

 

Fourth, we are committed to enhancing our cooperation to advance economic growth and sustainable development in the Pacific.

 

We commit to linking our economies more closely for the benefit of all our peoples.

    

We also seek to forge links within the region, supporting infrastructure, transportation connectivity, cybersecurity capacities, and digital infrastructure in the Pacific.

 

We will be expanding our cooperation to enhance the development of the sustainable blue economy, including small- and medium-sized enterprises, labor, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, trade, tourism, and addressing supply chains issues and food security.

    

We recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on Pacific economies. Economic recovery will be a top priority requiring finance not only for rebuilding purposes but to meet the commitments we made in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. To this end, we support the work of the UN Panel on Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) for Small Island Developing States and look forward to their recommendations. We encourage relevant international institutions to consider incorporating the MVI into their assessment processes where appropriate.

 

We further acknowledge the urgent and immediate need for assistance with vulnerability to debt, post-COVID-19.

    

Fifth, we are committed to supporting each other to better prepare and respond to natural disasters.

 

The Pacific region continues to bear the brunt of extreme natural disasters from dangerous high tides, tsunamis, ashfalls and volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and increasing frequency of severe cyclones, hurricanes, and droughts. The increasing occurrence of these natural disasters poses existential threats to Pacific SIDS and require protracted periods of recovery, putting further pressure on limited fiscal spending space. To this end, urgent actions and long-term planning are required to increase the capacity of Pacific SIDS to predict and cope with these disasters and to implement adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and resilience strategies. The recent events in Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Kiribati in recent years clearly demonstrate the devastation of natural disasters in the region.

 

Sixth, we resolve to protect the Blue Pacific and enhance the laws that govern it.

 

Together we will strengthen our cooperation on maritime security, maritime conservation, and the sustainable use of the Pacific Ocean based on the rule of law.

 

We acknowledge the threats posed by climate change-related sea-level rise to regional security, peace, prosperity, and development. It is essential that maritime zones and the rights and entitlements that flow from them must be maintained without reduction, notwithstanding any physical changes connected to climate change-related sea-level rise, recognizing that SIDS and other coastal States have planned their development in reliance on their rights to such maritime zones. We will continue to cooperate on fisheries-related economic development and oceans resilience through the Multilateral Treaty on Fisheries between the Pacific Islands States and the Government of the United States of America and its related Economic Assistance Agreement, while also forging new ties to improve maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, and maritime security; to curb the scourge of marine debris and plastic pollution; and to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing—a threat to the Pacific environment and livelihoods.

 

We will build partner capacity and capability to ensure rapid response to contingencies and emerging threats, including maritime security and safety.

 

Together we will find solutions to the major challenges facing the Ocean including through our commitment to conserve and protect 30% of the Ocean by 2030. We further commit to concluding very soon negotiations on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity and a robust international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. We renew our commitment to implementing Sustainable Development Goal 14 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development including its targets through genuine and durable partnerships, in a manner that fully addresses the special circumstances of SIDS.

 

We reaffirm the legal rights and obligations that apply with respect to all states under international law as reflected in UNCLOS.

 

Seventh, we resolve to maintain peace and security across the Blue Pacific Continent.

 

The Blue Pacific Continent has been a place of peace for nearly eight decades. We seek to ensure it remains so. In promoting peace and security, we recognize the importance of international law as reflected in UNCLOS, including on freedom of navigation and overflight. We will oppose all efforts to undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty of any country, large or small. We condemn all wars of aggression, including Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine.                     

    

We reaffirm our respect for the ability of nations to make sovereign decisions in the best interests of their people. The Pacific Islands note the United States’ commitment to enhance and deepen its security cooperation in the region. All of us in the Pacific region and the global economy benefit from peace and stability. 


Eighth, we commit to continuing our cooperation in addressing COVID-19 concerns and other health-related issues.

 

We will continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious-disease threats while strengthening regional and national health systems and capabilities, and strengthening the capability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats, including through relevant regional organizations; and increase our collective commitments towards adequate, stronger, and sustainable global financing for future pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. 

 

Non-communicable disease is a top health priority for the Pacific Islands. We recognize the importance of addressing this issue given its impact on the health of our populations and the economic prosperity of our nations.

 

Ninth, we commit to expanding opportunities for all our peoples.


Our deepest ties are between our peoples. We will strengthen connections between the United States and Pacific Islands through support for education, training, youth development, and exchange opportunities. We will identify priority areas for strengthening people-to-people ties and ways to address them.

 

We will redouble our commitment to gender equity and equality, including the elimination of gender-based violence, both online and offline, taking full account of the 2012 Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration. Together we will continue to strengthen democratic institutions across the Pacific, including through support for accountability, transparency, anti-corruption, civil society, human rights, and an independent and free media environment.                     

 

We acknowledge the critical role of the diaspora in the sustainable development of Pacific Islands and commit to strengthen links between the diaspora and local communities. We encourage expanding opportunities for diaspora investments.

 

We recognize the power of sports in bringing people together and commit to support the development of sports in the Pacific region.  Expanding sports ties between our countries and peoples will lead to greater understanding of one another’s societies and build support for areas like health and youth development.  We also recognize the positive influence of coaching and the structures which support sport.

    

Tenth, we reaffirm our commitment to comprehensively address the legacies of conflict and the promotion of nuclear nonproliferation.

 

World War II ended nearly 80 years ago, but its scars remain in the Pacific. We, too, acknowledge the nuclear legacy of the Cold War. The United States remains committed to addressing the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ ongoing environmental, public health concerns, and other welfare concerns.

 

The United States is committed to the safe removal and disposal of unexploded ordnance, and hereby acknowledges the concerns of Pacific Island States regarding other remnants of World War II. We are united in our support for the nuclear nonproliferation regime, including the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; as well as the important role of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

 

Eleventh, way forward and future implementation of the Partnership.

 

This joint vision will guide us as we enter the most consequential period in the history of our partnership. Its implementation will proceed in accordance with, and be guided by, the principles it sets out: mutual respect, transparency, and accountability. To that end, our political leaders, as appropriate, and our officials will meet regularly, bilaterally and collectively, to ensure our partnership continues to deliver practical results for our people and the world. We welcome cooperation with all partners, in the region and beyond, who share in the objectives and values stated hereto. This statement is made in the respect of the competences of the signatories and of the respective governments.

 

 

Prime Minister Mark Brown of Cook Islands

Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama of the Republic of Fiji

President David W. Panuelo of the Federated States of Micronesia

President Edouard Fritch of the Government of French Polynesia

Charge d’Affaires Josie-Ann Dongobir of the Republic of Nauru

President Louis Mapou of the Government of New Caledonia

President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau

Prime Minister James Marape of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea

President David Kabua of the Republic of the Marshall Islands

Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa of the Independent State of Samoa

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of Solomon Islands

Prime Minister Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni of the Kingdom of Tonga

Prime Minister Kausea Natano of Tuvalu

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States of America

Ambassador Odo Tevi of the Republic of Vanuatu

 

Attribution: White House

In a world first, NASA’s DART mission is about to smash into an asteroid. What will we learn?

Sam Bernardo
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In a world first, NASA’s DART mission is about to smash into an asteroid. What will we learn?

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Illustration of DART before impact.
NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Steve Gribben

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On September 26 at 11.15pm UTC, NASA’s DART mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) will be the first to deliberately and measurably change the motion of a significant body in our Solar System. In other words, it will smash into an asteroid.

The mission will provide the first test of a technique that could be used in the future – to redirect any asteroids we detect on a collision course with Earth.

A binary pair of space rocks

DART was launched on November 24, 2021, its destination a pair of asteroids in orbit around each other, 11 million kilometres from Earth.

The larger asteroid in the pair is called Didymos and is 780 metres in diameter. The smaller asteroid, just 160 metres wide, is called Dimorphos. The two orbit each other at a distance of 1.18 kilometres, and one orbit takes close to 12 hours.

Schematic of DART approaching the asteroids Didymos and Dimorphos.
DART is expected to alter the orbit of the smaller asteroid.
NASA/Johns Hopkins APL

These asteroids pose no risk to Earth and have been chosen as the target for DART partly due to that fact. But also, importantly, because the asteroids form a binary pair, it will be possible for astronomers on Earth to assess the results of the impact.

As the asteroids orbit each other, the sunlight reflected off them increases and decreases, varying systematically over the 12-hour cycle of the orbit. Astronomers using powerful telescopes from Earth can monitor this variation and see how it changes, from before to after the collision.

The Conversation

The physics is simple, the mission is not

The physics sounds simple, and it is. Hit one thing with another thing to change its motion. But the mission execution is very complicated. When DART reaches the asteroids, it will be 11 million kilometres from Earth after a 10 month journey. The spacecraft has to use autonomous targeting, using images of the asteroids it acquires as it approaches.

DART needs to recognise the asteroids by itself, automatically lock onto Dimorphos, and adjust its trajectory to hit it. This is all while moving at a speed of nearly 24,000 kilometres per hour!

The results of the impact, while reasonably straightforward to measure, are difficult to predict. The size, shape, and composition of Dimorphos, and exactly where DART hits and how hard, will affect the outcome.

All these factors are uncertain to some degree. Comprehensive computer simulations of the impact have been undertaken, and the comparisons of the simulations, predictions, and measured results will be the main outcomes of the DART mission.

As well as the measurements from telescopes on Earth, an up-close view of the impact itself will be possible, from an Italian Space Agency CubeSat (a small type of satellite) called LICIACube that was deployed from a spring-loaded box aboard the craft on 11 September. LICIACube will follow along and photograph the collision and its aftermath.

A large, circular device in a hangar space
The Lowell Discovery Telescope, located in northern Arizona, one of the facilities that will measure the impact of the DART collision.
Lowell Observatory

The results will tell us a lot about the nature of asteroids and our ability to change their motions. In the future, this knowledge could be used to plan planetary defence missions that seek to redirect asteroids deemed to be a threat to the Earth.

What is the level of threat?

An asteroid as small as 25 metres in diameter could produce injuries from an airburst explosion if it hit the atmosphere over a populated area. It is estimated that 5 million such objects exist in our Solar System and that we have discovered approximately 0.4% of them. Such a hit is estimated to occur once every 100 years. While quite frequent, the overall risk is low and the impact risk is relatively low too.

However, it is predicted there are 25,000 objects in the Solar System the size of Dimorphos, 39% of which are known, that hit Earth every 20,000 years. Such an object would cause mass casualties if it hit a populated area.

A chart showing different sizes of asteroids and their relative risk
Asteroid statistics and the threats posed by asteroids of different sizes.
NASA

Asteroids that could challenge the existence of human civilisation are in the 1 km plus size category, of which there are less than a thousand in the Solar System; they might hit Earth only every 500,000 years. We have already found 95% of these objects.

So, potential asteroid collisions with Earth range from the frequent but benign to the very rare but catastrophic. The DART tests are being undertaken in a very relevant and interesting size range for asteroids: those greater than 100 metres.

If DART is successful, it may set the scene for future missions that target asteroids, to nudge them out of the way of collisions with Earth. When an asteroid is a long way from Earth, only a small nudge is required to get it out of our way, so the earlier we can identify asteroids that are a potential threat, the better.

In the near future, the well-worn premise of so many “an asteroid is coming, we need to deflect it!” movies may well become a reality.

Steven Tingay, John Curtin Distinguished Professor (Radio Astronomy), Curtin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Central Queensland Clean energy exported via grid-connected battery at Tanby

Sam Bernardo
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Central Queensland Clean energy exported via grid-connected battery at Tanby

 

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Steven Miles at new grid-connected battery at Tanby
Photo Queensland Government

Central Queensland is stepping up in Queensland’s renewable energy revolution with cheap, clean energy now being exported via a new grid-connected battery at Tanby, south of Yeppoon.

Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steven Miles said the $8 million battery was an important and innovative addition to the electricity grid in Central Queensland, providing a better service for residents.

“We know there’s been a huge uptake in rooftop solar energy in Yeppoon and Rockhampton and this investment will drive even more,” Mr Miles said.

“It means renewable energy made during Central Queensland’s many sunny days can be stored to use during peak demand periods in the evening.

“It will help deliver cheaper, cleaner energy for homes and businesses, and capacity for even more renewables in Central Queensland.”

Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs, Trade and COVID Economic Recovery Bart Mellish said it was exciting to see the Tanby battery now operational.

“As Queensland progresses toward its renewable energy target, batteries, firming and other storage options will become increasingly important,” Mr Mellish said.

“Large-scale batteries like the one at Yeppoon allow us to capture the cheap and clean energy generated by Queenslanders, particularly rooftop solar, and best use it to drive down power bills and ease the cost of living.”

“Projects like this also help create good jobs for people in Central Queensland and provide better services too.”

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said Queensland has the highest rate of household rooftop solar installations in Australia, with 1 in 3 homes using solar.

“Regional Queensland is already playing an enormous role in capturing the State’s solar potential, so it’s now time to supercharge our local energy security and affordability with these network-connected batteries,” Ms Lauga said.

“Collectively, the energy produced by Queensland rooftops is already the largest renewable generator in the state, with our world record amounts of rooftop solar.”

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said Queensland’s proud mining heritage would continue to grow as we meet the increased demand for critical minerals, batteries and components both here and abroad.

“Queensland is home to vast amounts of nickel, cobalt, vanadium and zinc, and it’s our workforce that will make the most of the opportunity to refine, manufacture and export what the world needs to power its clean energy future,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“I’m particularly excited that the forum members get to be part of this momentous occasion, unlocking an investment in good clean energy jobs, better grid services, and a great lifestyle in regional Queensland.”

Members of the Central Queensland Regional Community Forum had the chance to take a look at the Tanby battery today.

Attribution: Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics Infrastructure
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles Queensland Government
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